THE MAKING OF CHAMPIONS

Pettersen first coached skiers from the Hickory Wing Ski Club in Prince George, BC, and finally, as head coach of the National Ski Team. He went on to launch the Territorial Experimental Ski Training (TEST) Program at Inuvik, NWT, which drew worldwide attention when sisters Sharon and Shirley Firth, only 14 years old, became North American champions after only five months of skiing. The duo went on to defend their titles for the next three years.

"We were able to bring the world here to compete on our turf. First at the 1966 Canadian Centennial Races at Prince George and then at the week-long top-of-the-world Nordic Ski Championships at Inuvik from 1968-72," remarked Pettersen.